Tag: Swallow
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Exercise in Dysphagia Therapy: Let’s Get Functional
Recent—and not-so-recent—dysphagia literature has made one thing very clear: exercise physiology belongs in swallowing rehab. Researchers like Lazarus, Robbins, Burkhead, and Clark have emphasized that understanding the muscles involved in swallowing—and how they actually function—is key to designing exercises that work. Spoiler alert: just having someone swallow applesauce with a side of hope isn’t enough.…
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Not Nectar Thick: The Truth About Carbonated Beverages and Dysphagia
Carbonated beverages are being explored in dysphagia management as a sensory strategy to enhance swallowing safety, not as thickened liquids. Research indicates carbonation may stimulate the Trigeminal nerve, potentially improving swallow function for some patients. However, effectiveness varies individually, necessitating personalized assessment rather than substitution for thickened liquids.
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Measuring Lingual Range of Motion
The content emphasizes the importance of measuring lingual range of motion in addition to strength for effective tongue function assessment. A new validated scale categorizes tongue movement into four domains: protrusion, lateralization, and elevation. This comprehensive approach, especially for post-oral surgery patients, enhances evaluations, treatment planning, and overall quality of life outcomes.
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Rethinking NSOMEs: Why Swallowing Should Be the Core of Dysphagia Therapy
The discussion on Non-Speech Oral Motor Exercises (NSOMEs) prompts a reevaluation of their effectiveness in dysphagia therapy. These exercises, detached from actual swallowing, may not lead to significant improvement. Emphasizing the importance of specificity, therapists should focus on functional swallowing exercises backed by evidence to enhance rehabilitation outcomes and neuroplasticity.
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What is the McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP) and Why Should SLPs Care?
At the end of the day, our patients deserve the most current, evidence-supported, and effective dysphagia therapy we can offer. MDTP isn’t just another technique—it’s a shift in how we think about swallowing rehab. Let’s get out of the “tongue wag” era and into therapy that moves the needle.
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Dysphagia Ramblings 